In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where information spreads at lightning speed, Chad is taking bold steps to shield its youth from the pitfalls of the online world. On May 12, 2026, the National Library in N’Djamena hosted the kickoff of a transformative training program, bringing together 100 young Chadians to explore digital citizenship and the fight against misinformation.
Building a safer digital future for Chadian youth
The event marks a critical milestone in the initiative « Advocating for an inclusive and secure digital space for Chadian youth ». Spearheaded by the House of Africa in partnership with the European Partnership for Democracy, this grassroots project aims to shift social media from a potential source of disruption into a tool for collective progress.
National security and social cohesion at stake
« A single message today can either build a nation or tear it apart, » warned the project coordinator during a keynote address that underscored the gravity of the mission. As misinformation, hate speech, and digital manipulation continue to threaten social stability, the workshop’s purpose is unambiguous: to cultivate a generation of digitally literate citizens who can discern truth from fiction and rely on credible sources.
From passive users to empowered digital leaders
Over the course of the training, local experts will guide these 100 participants—selected from diverse backgrounds—through the essentials of digital sovereignty. The curriculum goes beyond basic device usage; it delves into artificial intelligence, cybersecurity best practices, and the art of verifying viral content through fact-checking techniques.
The program’s core message is clear: participants are being groomed to become « ambassadors of responsible digital citizenship » within their communities. As Youssouf Allafouza Mahamat, Secretary-General of House of Africa, emphasized, their involvement signals a powerful shift—Chad’s youth are no longer content to merely consume digital content; they are determined to shape, secure, and lead by example in the digital realm.